In 2010, child protective services investigated nearly 2 million reports of maltreatment involving more than 3.6 million children- 19.5% of these reports were substantiated.

Characteristics of child maltreatment victims, 2010

Estimated number of victims

754,000

Victimization rate*

10.0

Age

0 to 3

34%

4 to 7

23%

8 to 11

19%

12 to 15

17%

16 to 17

6%

Gender

Male

49%

Female

51%

Race/ethnicity

White

45%

Black

22%

Hispanic

21%

American Indian/Alaskan Native

1%

Asian/Pacific Islander

1%

Multiple race

4%

Unknown/missing

6%

Maltreatment type**

Neglect

62%

Physical abuse

14%

Sexual abuse

7%

Psychological maltreatment

6%

Medical neglect

2%

Other abuse

8%

Unknown/missing

<1%

Notes: *Rate is per 1,000 children under 18 in the U.S. population. **The victimization count and rate are based on the number of maltreatments (each time a child was found to be a victim). Percentages are based on the unique count of child victims and should not be compared to years prior to 2009. This table is based on sample data reported by a varying number of states. Age and sex data were reported by 49 states, D.C., & Puerto Rico; data on multiple race was reported by 45 states, data was reported in 44 states & D.C. for AI/AN, while 48 states & D.C. reported data on whites, blacks, Asians, and Hispanics; data on maltreatment type were reported by as few as four states (unknown type) to as many as 49 states, D.C., & Puerto Rico (psychological and sexual abuse, and neglect).